A major UK domestic abuse charity has merged with a relationship education organisation, prompting a staff transfer.
Charities Refuge and Let Me Know (LMK) issued a joint statement announcing a merger effective 19 October, with 14 LMK staff joining the 460-strong roster at the larger organisation.
Refuge, which had an income of £31.9m in the year to 31 March 2025, will collaborate with LMK, a far smaller charity with an income of £647,822 in the year to 31 August 2025.
The merger “represents a significant opportunity to scale LMK’s outstanding relationship education programme to help young people build healthy relationships for life, while expanding Refuge’s comprehensive range of specialist support services”, the statement said.
The news follows the Good Merger Index in March recording the highest number of charity mergers in England and Wales in its 12-year history.
LMK has had a healthy financial history in the last five years with income above spending, except for a fall in the most recent year, from £686,390 in the year to 31 August 2024.
The charities, in their joint statement, said the merger was “strategic” and designed to share their networks.
“Refuge and LMK will continue to provide their full range of services, while supporting all colleagues to carry on their vital work,” the statement said.
No job losses are anticipated under the proposed terms of the merger, it added.
Charities to share expertise
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, Refuge chair, said: “Refuge is delighted to begin its journey with LMK, bringing together two exceptional teams to fulfil their crucial goal.”
Leon Ward, LMK chair, added: “In joining with a like-minded team, the specialist knowledge and skills of both LMK and Refuge will be pivotal in excelling prevention efforts and will support more young people to thrive in their relationships.”
LMK was founded in 2020 and works with young people aged 10 to 24.
Refuge was established in 1971 by Erin Pizzey in Chiswick, west London, opening as the world's first safe house for women and children escaping domestic abuse.
